[Shayna24]

Oh my, I am still so grateful I found this site--I have learned more here in ten minutes than in the last several months trying to find answers. Thanks for all the great info.

For those of you applying to CNRA school, SRNA's, or working as a CRNA now, did you have children while going through the program? I guess this may be a silly question as I am sure many of you have, but how did you do it? I know it is pretty impossible to work more than per diem when in CRNA school--did your spouse/significant other support you and your kids? A lot of loans or help with childcare from family? I think this would be difficult especially if you had to move out of state where you many not have any family or friends. Just wondering, as I am thinking maybe I shouldn't have children until I get out of school or I am almost done--I am in my young 20's. Not that life ever goes as planned though!
I was just curious how all the rest of you made it w/supporting kids.

Oh also I was wondering--I have around a 3.0 or better for all my science grades (Micro, Human Anat., Physiology, Organic Chem.) and a 3.75 in my BSN program so far. I took a introductory cellular biology class early in my college career and did extremely poor--2.1. I didn't really know what I wanted to do at this time. My nursing program didn't even require this class. I am just wondering if it would be a good idea to retake this class before I apply to a CRNA program, when I am getting my ICU experience? I would love to hear your opinions--thanks

[catcolalex]

Im a SRNA with two young kids, 3 and six months. I also moved out of state with the whole family. my wife stays at home with the kids while I am at school. the hardest thing is time. you want to study all the time to keep up, but also want to spend good time with family. it can be done and it has been done many times with kids. loans are my answer. every situation is different. find what you think will work for you. It would definately be easier without kids but i cant imagine life without them now that they are here.

[apaisRN]

I want to go to CRNA school now rather than later partly because I want to do it before kids. I'm 27 and I worry about putting kids off til my early 30s or later.

Catcolalex, what exactly are you living on with you in school and your wife not working? Big time loans?

[SproutRN]

I am currently just completing my first year of CRNA school and I have a 3 and 5 year old. It has been very difficult the last year balancing family and school work. There were some days that I didn't see my kids at all, but on average I would see them in the mornings before we all left for school and then in the evenings for a little while. Most of our classes have been in the morning time, so in the afternoons I would stay on campus to get studying done so that I could go home and have a little time with my family. My kids both have been in preschool and my husband has done a great job in taking care of them! Although it has been very difficult I know that when I'm done it will all be worth it.

Sprout

[SproutRN]

Originally Posted by apaisRN

I want to go to CRNA school now rather than later partly because I want to do it before kids. I'm 27 and I worry about putting kids off til my early 30s or later.

Catcolalex, what exactly are you living on with you in school and your wife not working? Big time loans?

You shouldn't be worried about putting kids off until later, a lot of people are waiting to have kids in their 30's. I had my first one when I was 31!

Sprout

[Harmony213]

I was just wondering how your spouses can just relocate and find a job so easily if you must move for the program??

[apaisRN]

Originally Posted by SproutRN

You shouldn't be worried about putting kids off until later, a lot of people are waiting to have kids in their 30's. I had my first one when I was 31!

Sprout

Yah . . . just worry about fertility and stuff, you know? But I'm not even sure I want them at all, and hopefully I'll get into school this time around and I will have plenty of time to think about it.

ILNurse4Now, my husband has been laid off three times in the 3.5 years we've been together. He's an architect and the job market changes rapidly with the economy. He's pretty experienced in the job hunt and now has experience in several different areas from all those jobs, so we feel okay that he'll find something. If not, well, I guess we'll figure it out.

I can see that someone in a less flexible/unstable field would have trouble - a teacher, for instance, needs to get a contract for the school year.

[SproutRN]

Originally Posted by IL Nurse4now

I was just wondering how your spouses can just relocate and find a job so easily if you must move for the program??

Thankfully, my program is 40 miles from my house so I just commute every
day!

Sprout

[FLCRNA2B]

Thanks SproutRN for responding. I am struggling with deciding to go to school due to the family time lost with CRNA school. It is something I want so bad; but, I am worried I will miss out on too much with my family. My 2 boys will be 4 and 8 when I hopefully get it. What is your time committment with school? Is it 60-80 hours a week really. Is 80 hours a week frequent? Thanks!

[SproutRN]

Originally Posted by FLCRNA2B

Thanks SproutRN for responding. I am struggling with deciding to go to school due to the family time lost with CRNA school. It is something I want so bad; but, I am worried I will miss out on too much with my family. My 2 boys will be 4 and 8 when I hopefully get it. What is your time committment with school? Is it 60-80 hours a week really. Is 80 hours a week frequent? Thanks!

I can't honestly say that I have spent 80 hours a week studying, but it is the better part of my awake hours. It also really depended on the classes I was taking. There have been days that I don't see my kids except them sleeping in their beds and there have been days where I go home and we spend a few good hours together, but those are really rare. I just try to make the most with the time I get.

As I said previously, I made it a point to stay on campus after class to do my studying and on the weekends I do go to the library for several hours. This is something I knew I wanted to do, and the Lord opened the door at this time in my family's life. I have made sacrifices to be successful and know all the hard work will pay off when I graduate next December!

Sprout